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Segway Ninebot Max G30P Electric Scooter Review

The Max G30P remains a winner years after its launch. It is unbeaten on reliability and range in its price class and handles changing weather well.

in Electric Scooters
Founder & EV Reviewer
Segway Ninebot Max G30
8.6
Our Rating
View Full Ratings chevron-down
7
Speed
8
Acceleration & Hills
10
Range
8
Portability
9
Ride Quality
10
Build Quality
9
Safety
8
Features
10
Value

Our review score is based on thorough real-world testing and is always held up against comparable models.

How We Test
Key Specs

Values marked with '*' are based on our independent testing and may differ from those specified by the manufacturer.

Top Speed
18.4 MPH*
Range
30.3 miles*
Motor
350 W
Battery
551 Wh
Tires
10"
Weight
41.2 lbs
Quick Take
The Ninebot Max G30P is one of the best-built electric scooters of all time. It is incredibly durable and offers exceptional range at its price point. The only real shortcomings are limited motor performance and a heavy build.
What I like
  • checkmarkReliable build quality
  • checkmarkUnbeaten range
  • checkmarkSelf-healing tires
  • checkmarkApp connectivity
  • checkmarkGreat folding mechanism
  • checkmarkSolid value for money
  • checkmarkEasy access to spare parts/mods
What I don't like
  • crossLimited top speed
  • crossLackluster acceleration
  • crossStruggles on hills
  • crossFairly heavy
  • crossNo zero-start setting

For years, the Ninebot Max has been the proclaimed king of entry-level commuter scooters. However, with an ever-evolving market, is the Max a viable electric scooter in 2024? Join us in this deep-dive review as we find out.

The Ninebot Max G30, with its reputation for durability and consistent performance, has dominated electric scooter sales for years. But as 2024 unfolds and innovative rivals step into the spotlight, is the Max G30's longstanding design still relevant, or is it drifting into the annals of the past?

To answer that question, we got our hands on the latest generation G30 model and conducted a rigorous test process with more than 30 data points over 250 miles. Today, we share the exclusive results.

Ninebot Max G30 At A Glance

Before we dive into our test data, let's establish the main specs and the scooter's pros and cons.

Motor Power350W rear motor
Battery36V, 15.3Ah = 551 Wh
Weight41.2 lbs (18.7 kg)
Max Load220 lbs (99.8 kg)
Tires10", tubeless, self-healing
BrakesDrum brake, electronic regen brake
Weather ResistanceIPX5
Rasmus from ERideHero sitting at the shore in front of a wide selection of more than 20 electric scooters
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Speed & Motor Performance

Close-up of rear motor on the Segway Ninebot Max G30P electric scooter

The Ninebot Max has a 350W rear hub motor and a specified top speed of 18.6 MPH (29.9 KMH).

The Max G30 has never been celebrated for its speed. However, while its top speed is average, it aligns perfectly with its design purpose: serving as a dependable city commuter scooter.

The Segway Ninebot Max has four speed modes:

  • ECO - favors range and beginners with a maximum speed of 6 MPH (10 KMH)
  • D - standard mode limited to 12 MPH (20 KMH)
  • S - Sport mode with fully unlocked performance
  • Pedestrian - Limited to 6 KMH (can only be enabled via App)

The adjustable speed settings let you familiarize yourself with the scooter gradually, tapping into its full power when you're ready. This flexibility also helps you comply with local regulations or optimize your ride for extended battery life.

The scooter requires a kick-start, preventing acceleration from a standstill. While this enhances safety, we'd prefer an option to toggle this feature on or off.

Top Speed Test

Using high-precision performance logging gear, we tested the top speed in kick-start mode as a 175 lbs (79 kg) rider. We reached a top speed of 18.4 MPH (29.6 KMH).

ModelTop Speed$/Speed
Segway Ninebot Max G30P
$799.99 USD
18.4 MPH
(29.6 KMH)
$43.48/MPH
NIU KQi2 Pro
$419 USD
17.3 MPH
(27.8 KMH)
$24.22/MPH
NIU KQi3 Pro
$599 USD
19.7 MPH
(31.7 KMH)
$30.41/MPH
NIU KQi3 Max
$674.99 USD
23 MPH
(37 KMH)
$29.35/MPH
TurboAnt V8
$549.98 USD
19.41 MPH
(31.2 KMH)
$28.33/MPH
TurboAnt X7 Max
$429.98 USD
19.55 MPH
(31.5 KMH)
$21.99/MPH
Atomi Alpha20.8 MPH
(33.5 KMH)
-

The Segway Ninebot Max is approximately 6% faster than the NIU KQi2 Pro and 7% slower than the KQi3 Pro.

It also lags behind in speed compared to a few more affordable scooters, such as the Turboant V8, X7 Max, and Atomi Alpha.

Acceleration Test

Acceleration Test of the Segway Ninebot Max G30 by ERideHero
play

We tested the acceleration capabilities of the Segway Ninebot Max on smooth flat pavement.

Since the scooter only activates with a kick-start, our testing was confined to that method. Whenever zero-start is available, we use that in my tests.

IntervalAverageBest
0-15 MPH (24 KMH)5.85 s5.32 s
0-18.4 MPH (29.6 KMH)14.3 s13.9 s

We were able to reach 15 MPH in 5.32 seconds (5.85 seconds). After that, it slowly crept towards its top speed in 13.9 seconds (14.3 seconds).

Model0-15 MPH0-20 MPH
Segway Ninebot Max G30P5.85 s-
NIU KQi2 Pro8.83 s-
NIU KQi3 Pro4.82 s-
NIU KQi3 Max4.36 s8.89 s
TurboAnt V88.51 s-
TurboAnt X7 Max8.29 s-
Atomi Alpha6.71 s11.82 s

The Ninebot Max G30 compensates for its less impressive top speed with decent acceleration. There are stronger performers, but it comfortably beats the Turboant line-up and the NIU KQi2 Pro.

Scooters such as the KQi3 Pro and KQi3 Max accelerate faster, which is anticipated given their 48V powertrain and stronger motors.

Hill Climbing Test

We assessed the Segway Ninebot Max's hill-climbing capability on a 250 ft (76 m) slope with an average gradient of 8%.

This took a total of 28.8 seconds with an average speed of 5.9 MPH (9.5 KMH).

ModelTimeSpeed
Segway Ninebot Max G30P28.8 s5.9 MPH (9.5 KMH)
NIU KQi2 Pro30.48 s5.6 MPH (9 KMH)
NIU KQi3 Pro24.4 s7 MPH (11.2 KMH)
NIU KQi3 Max11.5 s14.8 MPH (23.9 KMH)
TurboAnt V829.2 s5.8 MPH (9.4 KMH)
TurboAnt X7 Max26.3 s6.5 MPH (10.4 KMH)
Atomi Alpha25.3 s6.7 MPH (10.8 KMH)

Due to its limited top speed, the Max trails behind slightly once more. However, it isn't worlds apart from the more performant entry-level options.

Motor Performance Summary

Close-up of the rear motor on the Ninebot Max G30

Based on our tests, the Ninebot Max doesn't stand out in terms of motor performance.

There are plenty of options with higher top speeds at its price, but the acceleration remains decent.

Its main selling point has never been speed, but we were surprised to see solid numbers in our acceleration tests.

Riders over 200 lbs (90 kg) will likely see a notable motor performance drop across the board. If you're over 200 lbs and have hills on your commute, you should consider a scooter with a stronger motor like the KQi3 Pro or KQi3 Max.

If you're below 180 lbs (82 kg) or have no hills on your commute, the Segway Ninebot Max should serve you well.

Range & Battery Performance

The Segway Ninebot Max has a 36V, 15,3Ah battery pack with an effective capacity of 551 Wh. Segway advertises a maximum range of 40.4 miles (65 km).

The battery pack is made with 18650 lithium-ion cells. 18650 cells are the most common in the electric scooter industry as they're affordable, have a high discharge rate, and have good power density.

Charging

Close-up of the battery charging port on the Segway Ninebot Max

Quite interestingly, the Max G30 has an internal DC converter for charging. All you need is an IEC 60320 C5 cord (which comes with the scooter).

Internal power adaption is more streamlined and means you only have to carry a single plug with you rather than a full charging setup. On the negative, it adds a bit more weight to the scooter that could've been avoided. However, that weight gain is so minuscule it hardly makes a difference.

The charger has 121 watts of output power (2.9A * 42V). In our tests, the scooter was fully charged in around 6 hours. These are solid numbers for a scooter in this price class.

The KQi2 Pro only has 70W output power, while the KQi3 Pro and Max have 108W output. The Turboant V8 and X7 Max both have 84W output. Therefore, the Max fills up on juice faster than its competitors, leaving more time for riding.

Battery Capacity Comparison

With a 551 Wh battery pack in the deck, the Ninebot Max G30P offers a lot of capacity.

ModelBattery Capacity
Segway Ninebot Max G30P551 Wh
(36V, 15.3Ah)
NIU KQi2 Pro365 Wh
(48V, 7.6Ah)
NIU KQi3 Pro486.7 Wh
(48V, 10.1Ah)
NIU KQi3 Max608 Wh
(48V, 12.7Ah)
TurboAnt V8540 Wh
(36V, 15Ah)
TurboAnt X7 Max360 Wh
(36V, 10Ah)
Atomi Alpha360 Wh
(36V, 10Ah)

The battery capacity is 40% higher than the KQi2 Pro and 12.4% higher than the KQi3 Pro. Evidently, it is going to offer more range than the two.

The Turboant V8 has good battery value for the money, but even with two battery packs, it falls slightly short of the Max's capacity.

The KQi3 Max has a 10% higher battery capacity but is often priced notably higher than the Ninebot Max.

Range Test

Battery capacity and real-world mileage don't always go hand in hand. Lots of factors, including scooter efficiency and weight, play into the range you can expect to get.

We tested the Segway Ninebot Max at three speeds to understand its mileage capabilities.

Test (#)RangeAvg. Speed
#1: Speed Priority27.6 miles
44.4 km
17.0 MPH
27.4 KMH
#2: Regular30.3 miles
48.8 km
14.7 MPH
23.7 KMH
#3: Range Priority34.5 miles
55.5 km
11.9 MPH
19.2 KMH

In the initial test, we maximized our speed. Averaging 17 MPH, we achieved a range of 27.6 miles.

In the second test, we averaged a speed of 14.7 MPH, which we deem the most representative real-world range test. We achieved a range of 30.3 miles.

In the final test, we aimed to maximize the distance on a single charge. Traveling at 11.9 MPH, we covered a range of 34.5 miles.

Range Comparison

#1: Speed Priority

ModelRangeAvg. Speed
Segway Ninebot Max G30P27.6 miles
(44.4 km)
17.0 MPH
(27.4 KMH)
NIU KQi2 Pro17.2 miles
(27.7 km)
16.4 MPH
(26.4 KMH)
NIU KQi3 Pro17.9 miles
(28.8 km)
18.1 MPH
(29.1 KMH)
NIU KQi3 Max24.6 miles
(39.6 km)
19.5 MPH
(31.4 KMH)
TurboAnt V818.9 miles
(30.4 km)
17.8 MPH
(28.6 KMH)
TurboAnt X7 Max13.4 miles
(21.6 km)
17.9 MPH
(28.8 KMH)
Atomi Alpha16.3 miles
(26.2 km)
17.9 MPH
(28.8 KMH)
Test #1 (Speed Priority), 175 lbs (80 kg) rider

#2: Regular

ModelRangeAvg. Speed
Segway Ninebot Max G30P30.3 miles
(48.8 km)
14.7 MPH
(23.7 KMH)
NIU KQi2 Pro19.8 miles
(31.9 km)
14.9 MPH
(24 KMH)
NIU KQi3 Pro23.5 miles
(37.8 km)
14.9 MPH
(24 KMH)
NIU KQi3 Max31.1 miles
(50.1 km)
15.1 MPH
(24.3 KMH)
TurboAnt V821.3 miles
(34.3 km)
15.1 MPH
(24.3 KMH)
TurboAnt X7 Max15.4 miles
(24.8 km)
14.8 MPH
(23.8 KMH)
Atomi Alpha18.9 miles
(30.4 km)
15 MPH
(24.1 KMH)
Test #2 (Regular Speed), 175 lbs (80 kg) rider

#3: Range Priority

ModelRangeAvg. Speed
Segway Ninebot Max G30P34.5 miles
(55.5 km)
11.9 MPH
(19.2 KMH)
NIU KQi2 Pro22.3 miles
(35.9 km)
12.7 MPH
(20.4 KMH)
NIU KQi3 Pro26.9 miles
(43.3 km)
12.5 MPH
(20.1 KMH)
NIU KQi3 Max35.9 miles
(57.8 km)
12.2 MPH
(19.6 KMH)
TurboAnt V825.4 miles
(40.9 km)
12.6 MPH
(20.3 KMH)
TurboAnt X7 Max18.2 miles
(29.3 km)
12.5 MPH
(20.1 KMH)
Atomi Alpha21.2 miles
(34.1 km)
12.9 MPH
(20.8 KMH)
Test #3 (Range Priority), 175 lbs (80 kg) rider

The battery efficiency of the Segway Ninebot Max is outstanding. It surpasses its rivals significantly during the high-speed evaluation, clearly outshining the KQi3 Max, even with its bigger battery.

As we get into the second and third tests, the KQi3 Max reigns supreme, but the difference is small. Still, the Max beats the other comparable scooters by more than 25% across the board.

If you're in the market for a long-range electric scooter under $1,000 USD and don't mind the limited top speed, the Ninebot Max is one of the best options.

Range-Weight Ratio

ModelRangeWeightRatio
Segway Ninebot Max G30P30.3 miles41.2 lbs0.74 miles/lb
NIU KQi2 Pro19.8 miles40.6 lbs0.49 miles/lb
NIU KQi3 Pro23.5 miles44.8 lbs0.52 miles/lb
NIU KQi3 Max31.1 miles46.3 lbs0.67 miles/lb
TurboAnt V821.3 miles47.6 lbs0.45 miles/lb
TurboAnt X7 Max15.4 miles34.2 lbs0.45 miles/lb
Atomi Alpha18.9 miles36.8 lbs0.51 miles/lb

If you hold the measured range from our second test up against scooter weight, the Ninebot Max impresses again. At 0.74 miles/lb, the Max offers the most mileage in relation to its weight.

The Turboant scooters fall short with a relatively poor range-to-weight ratio, while the KQi3 Max comes in second, 10% worse than the Max.

Battery Performance Summary

The battery performance of the Max remains excellent to this day. Since its launch, the scooter has been a go-to long-range commuter that doesn't break the bank or the weight scale.

While it isn't the lightest scooter, its relative performance is about as good as it gets in this price range.

If the range is a deciding factor, the Segway Ninebot Max is among the best options under $1,000 USD.

Ride Quality

Segway ninebot max g30p

The Segway Ninebot Max is a stable and pleasant ride. It features beefy tubeless tires, a spacious deck, and ample braking performance.

Tires & Suspension

Closeup of tires on Segway Ninebot Max

The Segway Ninebot Max has some of the best pneumatic tires seen on a scooter in this price class.

They measure 10" x 2.5" and have a good amount of deep tread for traction in various terrains.

The tires are tubeless and self-healing. With a liquid sealant inside, they can heal minor punctures caused by objects such as thorns, glass, or nails without any maintenance. They're also slightly lighter and more easy to change.

While there are many tubeless offerings in the price class, very few have "self-healing" properties out of the box. However, a similar effect can be achieved with tire slime.

Testing the suspension of the Ninebot Max G30 by ErideHero
play

The Ninebot Max has no spring suspension. However, the heavy-duty tires do a solid job at absorbing road vibrations.

Very few scooters in the price class feature spring suspension and the ones that do often aren't very functional (e.g., Hiboy S2). An exception would be the Turboant V8, however.

Still, the durable tire setup will serve you well in any city scene. While it isn't an off-road scooter, it can also handle the occasional smooth trail if you ride with caution.

Braking

Braking test on Ninebot Max by ERideHero
play

The Segway Ninebot Max combines electronic regenerative breaking with a physical drum brake in the front. Both braking systems are controlled with a single lever on the left handlebar for a streamlined riding experience.

We tested the braking capabilities of the Max by measuring the distance it takes to come to a full stop from 15 MPH. In our tests, the average braking distance was 12.6 feet.

ModelBraking Distance
Segway Ninebot Max G30P12.6 ft (3.8 m)
NIU KQi2 Pro14.6 ft (4.5 m)
NIU KQi3 Pro10.4 ft (3.2 m)
NIU KQi3 Max10.4 ft (3.2 m)
TurboAnt V813.9 ft (4.2 m)
TurboAnt X7 Max15.2 ft (4.6 m)
Atomi Alpha15.9 ft (4.8 m)
Braking from 15 MPH (24.2 KMH).

While not as performant as dual disc brake scooters like the KQi3s, it still outperforms several popular competitors. We consider anything under 13 feet great for an entry-level/mid-range scooter.

Another thing worth mentioning is that a drum brake requires less maintenance than discs. So, the Max is a good option if you're after a plug-and-play solution that still has solid performance.

Deck

Deck on the Segway Ninebot Max G30P

This electric scooter has a good-sized deck accommodating both small and large riders. It measures 20" x 6.7" (50.8 cm x 17 cm).

It has an easy-to-clean rubber surface with extrusions that improve traction so your feet won't slip.

The ample width allows for various foot positions. If you've ever been on a long scooter trip, you know just how valuable being able to change your footing occasionally is to decrease strain.

The scooter has 3" (7.6 cm) of ground clearance. While not enough for off-road action, it is plenty to overcome most potholes, bumps, and even small curbs.

The main pro of keeping a relatively low ground clearance is that it gives the scooter a low center of gravity. In turn, this improves handling and stability - especially at higher speeds.

Cockpit

Handlebars and cockpit on Segway Ninebot Max

The Max has a sleek and simple cockpit/handlebar setup with only a single visible cable. Everything looks streamlined, and I really like how the bell is integrated into the left handlebar, as it occupies less space.

The handlebars measure 18.8" (47.8 cm) across. While they are on the shorter end, it isn't at the point where stability or safety is compromised. Riders above 6'6" may prefer a scooter with wider handlebars like the KQi3s.

The deck-to-handlebar height is 40.2" (102 cm). As the height isn't adjustable, this is pretty much the sweet spot of comfort for most riders. Once again, very tall riders (6'6") may want to opt for a bigger scooter outside of this price class.

The grips are very comfortable. The material is soft and reminiscent of the deck mat. It also has extrusions that add grip.

Right handlebar on Segway Ninebot Max

On the right handlebar, there is a thumb-controlled throttle. It has a small texturized pad where your thumb comes in contact with it for comfort. It is attention to small details like this that elevate the ride quality.

The acceleration is smooth and gradual. It has a little dead space at the top, but that is our preference, as it ensures you've positioned your thumb properly before engaging power.

Next to the throttle, there is a spring-loaded hook used for folding the scooter. Its position is awkward but doesn't interfere with other components.

Left handlebar on Ninebot Max

The left handlebar houses the brake lever and a well-integrated bell. The bell is loud and easy to operate while gripping the brake lever. This can be an issue on other models with too many unintegrated components, so props to Segway here.

The brake lever has a nice finish and fits in the hand nicely. The braking is smooth, and the drum brakes can be adjusted easily if you need more or less stopping power.

LED Display on Ninebot Max

A sizable and bright LED display is in the middle of the cockpit. Visibility is good on sunny days. Information such as speed, riding mode, lights, and battery level is clearly intuitively arranged.

Below the display is a single button. This button can be used to toggle between modes, enable/disable lights, and turn the scooter on and off. Most of these features can also be accessed via the Segway smartphone app.

Portability

Segway Ninebot Max folded

With a large battery and a sturdy build, the Segway Ninebot Max is not the most portable scooter. However, it offers efficient folding and has a fair size footprint.

Weight & Dimensions

Segway advertises that the Max G30P weighs 41.2 lbs (18.7 kg). We were able to confirm that from our own high-accuracy measurements.

ModelWeight (lbs)Weight (kg)
Segway Ninebot Max G30P41.2 lbs18.7 kg
NIU KQi2 Pro40.6 lbs18.4 kg
NIU KQi3 Pro44.8 lbs20.3 kg
NIU KQi3 Max46.3 lbs21 kg
TurboAnt V847.6 lbs21.6 kg
TurboAnt X7 Max34.2 lbs15.5 kg
Atomi Alpha36.8 lbs16.7 kg
Based on our own high-precision weight measurements.

Given that the battery is one of the most weighty elements in an electric scooter's design, it's unsurprising that the Max, with its 551 Wh capacity, isn't among the lightest electric scooters.

Despite that, it is actually lighter than several models with less battery capacity. It is 8.5% lighter than the KQi3 Pro and 14.4% lighter than the Turboant V8.

Despite having a much higher battery capacity, it is only 0.6 lbs heavier than the KQi2 Pro.

The scooter measures 18.8 x 47.2 x 45.7 in (57.3 x 143.9 x 139.3 cm) unfolded and 18.8 x 21.7 x 45.7 in (57.3 x 66.1 x 139.3 cm) when folded. At 40.5 ftยณ, its footprint is 13.5% smaller than the KQi3s when upright.

Given its power, the Segway Ninebot Max is actually fairly compact without carrying too much superfluous weight. While there are lighter scooters, they won't offer nearly as much range.

Folding & Carrying

Folding the Segway Ninebot Max electric scooter
play

The Ninebot Max has an expertly designed folding mechanism at the bottom of the stem. It feels safe as houses and ultra-stable at speed. There is effectively zero wobble from the folding point.

Folding mechanism and hook closeup on Segway Ninebot Max

The handlebar safety collar can be locked into a hook on the rear fender for easy carrying. Weight distribution is even, which makes it a breeze to handle when folded.

Build Quality & Safety

Closeup of the stem tube on the Segway Ninebot Max

The Segway Ninebot Max is renowned for its enduring reliability and robust construction. The high build quality standard is part of the reason it is a household name in the industry. The scooter has a load capacity of 220 lbs (99.8 kg).

Fenders

Showcasing the fender quality on the Segway Ninebot Max
play

Like the rest of the build, the fenders on the Segway Ninebot Max are well-designed. Nonetheless, there is slight room for improvement.

The rear fender effectively disperses water from the tires without splashing the rider. However, adding an additional contact point with the frame on each side would enhance its sturdiness. We like how they have seamlessly integrated the taillight into the fender.

The front fender is relatively shorter, but it is obvious the design results from a lot of testing. At first glance, you'd think there's too little coverage to keep the rider clear from splashes, but that isn't the case.

The fender is longer towards the tire's backside, allowing it to catch any water sprays.

Kickstand

Kickstand on the Ninebot Max G30

I could bore you with how often I've regurgitated the sentence: "This scooter has a flimsy kickstand."

However, Segway actually got it right with the Ninebot Max. It is well-placed, feels solid, and has enough length to keep the scooter standing even if you're parking it on an uneven surface.

It hardly has any wiggle, and after folding/unfolding it more than 200 times, its smoothness and stability remain unchanged.

So many brands fail to engineer proper kickstands, so seeing it done right on the Max is refreshing.

Folding Mechanism

Folding mechanism on Ninebot Max G30P

Testament to its built quality, the folding mechanism is extremely easy to operate without compromising stability and durability.

A single front-placed latch and a safety pin allow you to fold the scooter in seconds without excessive force.

We went through the tedious process of folding and unfolding the scooter 500 times to test this mechanism. From that test, we could conclude that the folding mechanism is as smooth and effective as when we first unboxed the scooter.

Weather Resistance

The Segway Ninebot Max has an IPX5 weather resistance rating. This means it is protected against water jets from any direction.

The test involves water projected from a 0.25" (6.3 mm) nozzle. Water is projected at 4.4 psi from a distance of 9.8 ft (3 meters) at 12.5 liters per minute. The test lasts at least 3 minutes.

In real-world terms, this means the scooter is geared to ride in light to moderate rain. We tested it multiple runs in the rain for a prolonged time without losing function. The general anecdotal consensus also suggests that this scooter handles rain well.

The scooter has tight-fitted gaskets where needed, and important seams are well-insulated.

Remember, just like other scooters, the warranty for the Segway Ninebot Max doesn't cover water damage. You should also always ride with care in the rain as braking distances increase.

We recommend avoiding puddles and wiping your scooter dry after any ride in the rain.

Lights & Visibility

Segway Ninebot Max lights at night

The Ninebot Max has two main lights: An white LED headlight and a red taillight.

The 2.5W front-facing high-mounted light is reasonably bright and angled downwards, illuminating the road rather than blinding other road users. The light provides sufficient brightness for visibility, but for riding in total darkness, a more intense light is recommended to navigate the road confidently.

The taillight is nicely integrated with the rear fender. It is decently bright and flashes as you pull the brakes to alert road users behind you that you are slowing down. As a bonus, it has a reflector just below the LED.

Reflectors of Segway Ninebot Max

The scooter has a total of four reflectors. The aforementioned reflector below the taillight and three high-mounted stem reflectors.

We like that Segway utilizes real reflectors instead of stickers, as they're much more durable and resistant to wear. They also work more effectively.

In line with the scooter's color scheme, orange accent stickers on either side of both wheels increase visibility.

All in all, the visibility setup of the Max is solid. A turn signal setup would be welcomed, but you'll find that on the newer Max G2.

Smartphone App

Segway Ninebot Max app screenshots

The Max is compatible with the Segway-Ninebot smartphone application (iOS and Android).

While many scooter apps are gimmicky and relay information already available on the scooter display, the Segway-Ninebot app offers several useful features that I would like to highlight.

First, it acts as a firmware update tool to ensure your scooter's full functionality and efficiency.

The app also offers useful information that the display doesn't provide. For instance, you can more accurately track the battery level in mAh or % and the vehicle temperature.

It is possible to quickly adjust the regenerative braking strength, disable/enable the taillight as well as toggle cruise control functionality.

You can also enable Guard mode. This locks the motor and transmits a beeping sound if the scooter is being pushed. It is not a substitute for a physical scooter lock, but it works well in conjunction with a lock.

With the app, you can track previous rides and participate in community features. All in all, it is one of the better scooter apps out there.

Warranty

Segway offers a limited warranty on Max scooters purchased through an authorized distributor or dealer.

The warranty coverage is divided into four categories:

  • Vehicle body: 1 year (hub motor, controller, handlebar, stem, dashboard, brake, fork)
  • Other components: 180 days (Control cable, battery, built-in charger, brake lever, throttle, AC cable)
  • Components subject to wear: 90 days (Kickstand, brake wire, tires, fenders, lights, folding hook, charging base, front fork cover, stop collar, bell)
  • Components subject to wear: 15 days (Bumper strip, handlebar grips, covers, foot mat, rubber plug, reflective stickers, valve stem extension)

The warranty covers the previously mentioned defects in material and workmanship arising as a result of ordinary use. It is worth noting that you are responsible for covering shipping and insurance costs. It must also be shipped in the original packaging or in Segway approved packing.

Segway have several contact points pertaining to warranty claims:

  • Phone: 1-866-473-4929
  • E-Mail: technicalsupport@segway.com

Verdict - Who Should Buy The Segway Ninebot Max?

The Ninebot Max is ideal for riders seeking a low-maintenance commuter scooter with emphasis on built quality and range under $1,000 USD.

Its main selling points is its impressive 30.3-miles real-world range, beefy self-healing 10" tubeless tires, and overall reliability.

It is also a decent option for people who need ample range but still have to carry their scooter around as it has the best in-class range-to-weight ratio we've seen.

An IPX5 weather resistance score, our testing and hundreds of user testimonials back it as a viable option for riding in the rain.

The Ninebot Max is not ideal for riders over 220 lbs as it has lackluster motor performance. It'll struggle on hills and its limited top speed will suffer further. The same goes for tall riders above 6'6" as it has fairly narrow handlebars and non-adjustable stem height.

Full Specifications

Our Tests

Top speed18.4 MPH (29.6 KMH)
Acceleration
0-15 MPH
Avg: 5.85 s
Best: 5.32 s
Acceleration
0-18.4 MPH
Avg: 14.3 s
Best 13.9 s
Hill climb
250ft @8%
28.8 s (5.9 MPH)
Range (speed priority)27.6 miles (44.4 km)
Range (regular)30.3 miles (48.8 km)
Range (range priority)34.5 miles (55.5 km)
Handlebar Width18.8" (47.8 cm)
Deck-to-handlebar40.2" (102 cm)
Unfolded size18.8 x 47.2 x 45.7 in (57.3 x 143.9 x 139.3 cm)
Folded size18.8 x 21.7 x 45.7 in (57.3 x 66.1 x 139.3 cm)
Ground clearance3" (7.6 cm)
Deck20" x 6.7" (50.8 cm x 17 cm)

Manufacturer Specifications

BrandSegway Ninebot
Top speed18.6 MPH (29.9 KMH)
Motor power (nominal)350W
Motor power (max)700W
Motor Voltage36V
Range40.4 miles (65 km)
Battery36V 15.5Ah, lithium-ion
Battery capacity551 Wh
Charging time6 hours
IP ratingIPX5
Weight41.2 lbs (18.7 kg)
Max load220 lbs (99.8 kg)
Tire typePneumatic, tubeless, self-healing
Tire size10" x 2.5"
SuspensionNone
BrakesFront drum brake, electronic regen brake
Throttle typeThumb throttle
LightsTaillight, headlight
Other featuresApp, speed modes, cruise control

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